If you’re looking for an easy way to use up leftover St Patrick’s Day corned beef, look no further than this easy air fryer Reuben sandwich. Of course, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy it year round with deli corned beef or pastrami!
A classic Reuben sandwich is usually toasted on the stovetop or griddle. Thanks to your air fryer, you can get that crispy exterior on the bread, melt your cheese, and never even need to turn on the stove!
The thing I love most about this recipe is that you’re far less likely to burn your sandwich, as I’m totally guilty of when I lose track of how long it’s been cooking for. Plus, it’s ready in about 10 minutes of cooking time, making it quick and easy.
This is a perfect lunch option, but you can also add some sides to make it a heartier meal for dinner as well.
While it is a great way to use up leftover corned beef, it’s so simple to throw together on a weeknight that we enjoy it anytime of year!
Ingredients to Grab
4 slices marble rye bread
½ pound corned beef (deli or leftover, sliced)
2 Tablespoons Thousand Island dressing
4 Tablespoons sauerkraut (drained)
4 slices baby swiss cheese
2 Tablespoons butter or margarine (salted)
Serving Size Note: The amount of ingredients listed here is for 2 Reuben sandwiches. If you only want to make one, simply halve the recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
While marble rye bread is most traditional, you can swap in regular rye (seeded or seedless), pumpernickel, or even some leftover Air Fryer Soda Bread if preferred
Corned beef may be substituted for pastrami or beef brisket as well. Thickness is entirely your preference. I like the thinner cuts piled up deli-style, but using thick cut is completely fine as well
You may swap Russian dressing or burger “secret sauce” in place of the Thousand Island dressing. A less common alternative that would still work is French dressing
Swiss cheese is most traditional, but I usually use the baby swiss because I like the flavor more
In place of the butter, you can use a spray of olive oil or another high smoke point oil, or substitute mayonnaise
To make a Rachel sandwich variation, swap the sauerkraut for coleslaw and use turkey instead of beef
How to Make a Reuben Sandwich in Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F
Spread ½ Tablespoon of dressing on each slice of bread
To two of the bread slices, add 2 slices of baby swiss cheese
Top cheese with about ¼ pound of corned beef each
Add 2 Tablespoons sauerkraut on top of corned beef
Top sauerkraut layer with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down
Spread ½ Tablespoon butter on each of the bread slices
Place the sandwich buttered side down in the preheated air fryer basket
Spread the remaining butter evenly over the top bread slices
Secure the sandwiches with toothpicks, an oven safe sandwich press, or some sort of rack to keep them from flying apart in the air fryer
Cook on air fry setting for 4 minutes at 390°F, then flip and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until bread is toasted and cheese is melted
Yes, you can make a Reuben sandwich in an air fryer. It delivers a result similar to a toaster oven preparation in less time.
Just make sure to secure the sandwich together with toothpicks or a similar item to keep it from falling apart in the powerful air circulation.
What is in an Air Fryer Reuben Sandwich?
Typically in an air fryer Reuben sandwich you’ll find corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye bread.
However, ingredients may be omitted or substituted based on personal preference and ingredient availability.
Are Reubens Good in the Air Fryer?
Yes, Reubens are good in the air fryer. You’ll achieve toasted bread, warmed meat, and melted cheese with this method.
In fact, it’s a more reliable method than the stovetop, and takes less time than using a toaster oven or regular oven to make them.
Can You Reheat a Reuben Sandwich in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can reheat a Reuben sandwich in an air fryer. Place the sandwich in halves in your air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F, flipping halfway through.
If desired, you may line the basket with a piece of foil or parchment to prevent the cheese from melting into the air fryer as it warms.
Recipe Expert Tips
Use toothpicks or something else heavy like a sandwich press to secure your sandwich together. This will prevent the top bread slice from blowing off and making a mess in the air fryer
I do recommend using a spatula to flip the sandwiches as well, it makes it a lot easier than trying anything else
Feel free to add more (or less) of anything if desired, and you can serve with extra sauce on the side if you like more. If you plan to reheat your Reuben later keeping the sauce on the sandwich light helps to prevent really soggy bread
It took me 9 minutes of cooking time in a Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer for my sandwich to be perfect. Other air fryers (and preferences on sandwich doneness) may cause time to vary slightly
These easy air fryer Reuben sandwiches are the perfect way to use up leftover corned beef from St. Patty’s Day, but they’re honestly great anytime of year with your favorites from the deli.
Plus, you can always swap out the fillings for other meats like pastrami, choose different breads or sauces, and really make it your own. You’ll never get bored with air fryer sandwiches.
The bread gets crisp on the outside and stays soft inside. Your cheese will melt and the edges of your meats just get that perfect amount of browning.
They’re quick enough for an easy lunch, but also hearty enough for dinner paired with a side or two and an ice cold beer!
Spread ½ Tablespoon of dressing on each slice of bread
4 Slices marble rye bread, 2 Tbsp Thousand Island dressing
To two of the bread slices, add 2 slices of baby swiss cheese
4 Slices baby swiss cheese
Top cheese with about ¼ pound of corned beef each
½ Pound corned beef
Add 2 Tablespoons sauerkraut on top of corned beef
4 Tbsp sauerkraut
Top sauerkraut layer with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down
Spread ½ Tablespoon butter on each of the bread slices
2 Tbsp butter or margarine
Place the sandwich buttered side down in the preheated air fryer basket
Spread the remaining butter evenly over the top bread slices
Secure the sandwiches with toothpicks, an oven safe sandwich press, or some sort of rack to keep them from flying apart in the air fryer
Cook on air fry setting for 4 minutes at 390°F, then flip and cook an additional 3-5 minutes until bread is toasted and cheese is melted
Serve with your favorite sides!
Notes
While marble rye bread is most traditional, you can swap in regular rye (with caraway seeds or seedless), pumpernickel, or even some leftover soda bread if preferred
Corned beef may be substituted by pastrami or beef brisket as well. Thickness is entirely your preference. I like the thinner cuts piled up deli-style, but using thick cut is completely fine as well
You may swap Russian dressing or burger “secret sauce” in place of the Thousand Island dressing. A less common alternative that would still work is French dressing
Swiss cheese is most traditional, but I usually use the baby swiss because I like the flavor more
In place of the butter, you can use a spray of olive oil or another high smoke point oil, or substitute mayonnaise
To make a Rachel sandwich variation, swap the sauerkraut for coleslaw and use turkey instead of beef
The toothpicks prevent the top bread slice from blowing off and making a mess in the air fryer
I do recommend using a spatula to flip the sandwiches as well, it makes it a lot easier than trying anything else
Feel free to add more (or less) of anything if desired, and you can serve with extra sauce on the side if you like more. If you plan to reheat your Rueben later, keeping the sauce on the sandwich light helps to prevent really soggy bread
It took me 9 minutes of cooking time in a Ninja Foodi Dual Zone air fryer for my sandwich to be perfect. Other air fryers (and preferences on sandwich doneness) may cause time to vary slightly
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, substitutions and adjustments, and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
